I wanted to let everyone know that we, along with the 14 other families here on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, are being well cared for by a special foundation called His Grace Foundation. This organization was founded after a little girl named Gracie Kiltz was here with her family. Her family was so touched by the support and aid they received from their friends and family that they’ve made a commitment to provide similar support to all families going through the difficulty of receiving a Bone Marrow Transplant. The Foundation is specific to Texas Children’s Hospital.
Among other things, His Grace provided us with an enormous welcoming basket filled with useful items during our stay here, they cater two brunches and one dinner for the families on the unit each month, they cater a meal on the day of transplant, they provide us with a parking pass that allows for in/out privileges (parking here at TCH is $10 per day), they give us a shopping list and shop for items we need up to $25/week, they also provide us with an 800 minute phone card each week. Additionally, trained volunteers are able to provide childcare in order for families to take a break or attend important family/sibling events. On top of all that, there is a massage therapist who volunteers his time to the unit on a weekly basis.
The Foundation has really impressed me with its committed volunteers. I wanted everyone to know it’s here in the event that you or your service group are considering a new place to share your “time, talent and treasure.” Or, perhaps you can get your company to sponsor you for their major fundraising event – the golf tournament. This year’s event just happened and they raised about 95K, you can always join ‘em next year. Hopefully Kevin will be out there!
You can find out more about His Grace at www.hisgracefoundation.org. The website is really worth checking out! It automatically pulls up a video filled with families going through BMT. One of the kids on the video is Carlie, our neighbor in Indian Springs who is also battling Neuroblastoma. Her dad is on the video, too.
His Grace Foundation has made our stay on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit notably more comfortable and bearable. These volunteers are amazing!
Lara
PS We are here on the unit with children who have yet to find an acceptable Bone Marrow match. You can find out more about becoming a possible Bone Marrow Donor and saving a life at www.marrow.org, or by calling 1-800-MARROW-2! (I just read about that in His Grace Foundation website.)
About Me
- Hans Weberling
- Bakersfield, CA, United States
- Hans was a busy, happy, sweet and fearless three year old when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. He fought his disease like a "gladiator" for nearly 6 years. Hans was an animal lover to his core. He was 'guarded' at home by his three cats, Black, Orange and Cotton. He also had his Golden Retriever, Honey, to keep him company. Hans enjoyed swimming, biking, gardening, grilling (he had his very own grill!), horseback riding, playing video games, building Legos, and flipping between Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Animal Planet. Hans loved all members of his family and he was a loyal friend. He had to go through a lot of treatment in his life. But Hans powered through it. His attitude was let's get this done! His motivation was always to get back home, to his family, pets, favorite foods and pool.
1 comment:
We're praying for Hans up here in Minnesota. We think of you often, and because I read this post, I went to www.marrow.org and ordered my donor id kit. Maybe I can make a difference. Thanks for all the updates, and we all send big hugs for tomorrow!
Post a Comment